Council committee advances nondiscrimination referendum; public commenters press for broader protected classes

Pittsburgh — The City Council standing committees on Jan. 29 recommended approval of a proposed Home Rule Charter amendment that would prohibit the city from discriminating in its business dealings on the basis of race, religion, national origin or association or affiliation with any nation or foreign state.

The committee voted to amend Bill 14-25 to align the ballot language with the city’s existing nondiscrimination code and then gave the amended measure an affirmative recommendation in committee. The amendment’s sponsor said the change brings the charter language into line with existing protections already scattered through the code.

Why it matters: The referendum would place a nondiscrimination requirement in the Home Rule Charter, the city’s foundational governing document. The measure was introduced by council members after community groups circulated a separate citizens’ petition, and speakers at the meeting…